An arbitrary collection of hosts and networks that are monitored by the software as a single hierarchal entity. You may choose to divide their enterprise into several domains, each to be managed by different users.

agent

A software process, usually corresponding to a particular local managed host, that carries out manager requests and makes local system and application information available to remote users.

bus

A point-to-point network component. Used by the software to represent a network link to which many other hosts may be connected.

community

A string similar to a password that is used to authenticate access to an agent's monitored data.

COMA

Cache Only Memory Architecture. In a COMA machine, additional hardware including tag and state memory is added to the DRAM of each processing node to convert it into a kind of cache called attraction memory. See also NUMA.

CTQ

Critical to Quality. A Sun Sigma terminology, used to identify key issues for a product based on voice of the customer.

diagnosis

Correct interpretation and reporting of error.

diagnosability

Ability of system to detect and correctly report errors when they occur.

diagnostics

A test to uncover faults. These tests are used in design and validation to find margins and set limits on error protection, and stress tests used in operations to screen finished product for escapes.

diagnostic harness

The harness or environment that schedules, manages, and controls execution of diagnostic tests on a platform.

DRAM

Dynamic Read Access Memory. A type of semiconductor random access memory that stores information in integrated circuits that contain capacitors. Because capacitors lose their charge over time, the dynamic RAM must be periodically "refreshed" or recharged. Contrast with SRAM. See also VRAM.

EEPROM

Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. A special type of PROM that can be erased by exposing it to an electrical charge. Like other types of PROM, EEPROM retains its contents even when the power is turned off. Also like other types or ROM, EEPROM is not as fast as RAM. See also PROM, ROM, and RAM.

FC-AL

Fibre Channel-Arbitrated Loop A connector that provides high bandwidth, increased distance, and additional connectivity from host to peripherals.

FIFO

First-In First-Out Memory that stores data in queue order so the first input element goes out the first.

FRU

Field Replaceable Unit.

GUI

The graphical user interface, or GUI, is a window that provides the user with a method of interacting with the computer and its special applications, usually with a mouse or other selection device. The window usually includes such things as windows, an intuitive method of manipulating directories and files, and icons.

HDLC

High Level Data Link. A common layer two protocol that handles both data and control messages.

hop

The number of routers a packet goes through before reaching its destination.

module

A software component that may be loaded dynamically to monitor data resources of systems, applications and network devices.

Diagnostics that require the aid of the native operating system to function. Primarily tests components not currently in use by customer.

online diagnostics

Diagnostics that require the aid of the native operating system to function. Primarily tests components currently in use by customer.

NUMA

Non-Uniform Memory Access. CC/NUMA or CC-NUMA is Cache-Coherent Non-Uniform Memory Access. In a CC-NUMA machine, the physical address on the memory bus of a processing node is used to determine the home node memory location of a particular datum. The cache hierarchy on each processing node is constructed to replicate and hold copies of data from not only the local memory, but also the memory of remote nodes.

PICL

Platform Information and Control Library.

POST

Power on Self Test. Standalone operation, without native operating system. Mostly non interactive, automated tests, run when power is applied to the system.

production environment

One of two environments in which software is deployed. The production environment is a "real" environment (as opposed to a test environment) in which you manage and monitor your hardware.

PROM

Programmable Read Only Memory A memory chip on which data can be written only once. When a program has been written onto a PROM, it remains there forever. Unlike RAM, PROMs retain their data even when the power is turned off. See also RAM.

RAM

Random Access Memory A type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly; that is, any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes. RAM is the most common type of computer and device memory.

ROM

Read Only Memory Computer memory on which data has been prerecorded. Once data has been written onto a ROM chip, it cannot be removed and can only be read.

RTS/CTS

Ready to Send/Clear to Send A hardware flow control handshake protocol used with serial lines.

SEEPROM

Serial EEPROM. See also EEPROM.

segment

An object representing a "segment" of the network, and used as a basis for a local network.

Static Random Access Memory. A faster and more reliable RAM than dynamic random access memory (DRAM). DRAM offers access times of about 60 nanoseconds, while SRAM access can be as low as 10 nanoseconds. It is static because it does not require refreshment as does DRAM. See also VRAM.

standalone diagnostics

Diagnostics that run without the aid of the native operating system. Usually an operating environment is built to provide basic scheduling capabilities.

standard error

An open file normally connected directly to a primary output device, such as a terminal, printer, or screen. Error messages and other diagnostic output normally go to this file and then to the output device. You can redirect the standard error output into another file instead of to the printer or screen.

standard input

(Standard input device) The device from which a program or system normally takes its input. Usually a terminal or the keyboard.

standard output

(Standard output device) The device to which a program or system normally sends its output. Usually a terminal or the screen.

URL

Uniform Resource Locator. A URL is a textual specification describing a resource which is network-accessible.

VRAM

Video Random Access Memory. A type of dynamic RAM (DRAM) used in high-speed graphics frame buffers. With conventional DRAM, both the processor and the frame buffer logic must access RAM by sharing the same signal lines or buses on the RAM chips. VRAM provides separate buses for the processor and the frame buffer logic. See also DRAM, SRAM.